What is Kidney Disease?

Explore this section to learn more about chronic kidney disease (CKD). You will find that CKD, which can happen at any age, can have both common and rare causes. Learn about the symptoms, some of which may not show up until a later stage of the disease.

Contents:

1. What is Kidney Disease?
2. Symptoms
3. Stages
4. Causes
5. Diagnosis
6. Pediatric Kidney Disease

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Early Symptoms

Early symptoms of kidney decline include:

  • Changes in your urination (more or less frequent and changes in color)

  • Fatigue/tiredness/weakness (healthy kidneys produce a hormone that helps produce red blood cells)

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • A loss of appetite

  • Changes in how things taste

  • Possible confusion

  • High blood pressure (can cause kidney disease or vice versa by weakening arteries that supply the kidneys)

  • Inflammation/swelling in the face, feet or hands (weak kidneys have a problem removing excess waste; this waste can cause your body to swell)

Later Stage Symptoms

Later stage symptoms include:

  • Increased changes in urination patterns (blood in the urine, foamy appearance, producing much more or less and frequency issues)

  • Increased fatigue (muscle soreness, lightheaded, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches)

  • Increased swelling or inflammation

  • Pain in the lower back around your kidneys

  • Poor growth (seen in children since kidneys control many metabolites growth is impacted)

  • Toxin build up (bad breath, itching, nausea, metallic taste or rashes)

Related Information

More Related Information

Learn More About Kidney Disease

What Is Kidney Disease?

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Stages of Kidney Disease

Causes of Kidney Disease

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

Pediatric Kidney Disease